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Innovation on the rails: Plasser & Theurer sets new standards in sustainable track construction

Based on Linz’s Industriezeile, Plasser & Theurer has been in business since 1953 and has developed over the past seven decades into the global technology leader in track construction machinery. The company’s philosophy is closely tied to the rail system: “We believe 100% in the rail system, and our motivation is to do something every day to make this system better, more economical, and safer,” notes Johann Dumser, Director of Global Marketing and Communication at Plasser & Theurer.

International Reach and a Strong Workforce as Keys to Success

In Austria, Plasser & Theurer employs around 2,300 people, the majority of whom are based in the provincial capital of Linz. Worldwide, there are approximately 6,000 employees who work together to create innovative solutions for the rail sector. Internationality is firmly anchored in the company’s DNA: exports began as early as the third year after the company was founded. Today, Plasser & Theurer machines are in use in 110 countries, with exports accounting for an impressive 93 percent of sales. The global network comprises 22 subsidiaries and partner companies that provide support, maintenance, and training for the products worldwide..

Technological Revolution: Hybrid Machines for Track Construction

“Plasser & Theurer has sparked a technological revolution in the industry with the introduction of hybrid machines. About ten years ago, the company pioneered the launch of machines that are no longer powered exclusively by diesel but can switch flexibly between diesel and electric drive.

The key feature: The electricity comes directly from the railway’s overhead lines or from a battery pack that is charged during downtime or through regenerative braking—a principle familiar from the automotive industry but entirely new to track construction,” explains Dumser regarding this groundbreaking innovation. This technology enables construction machinery to operate quietly, with low emissions, and in a resource-efficient manner—a huge step forward for construction sites in sensitive areas such as city centers, tunnels, or near residential areas.

E³ – Holistic Innovation for People and the Environment

This hybrid product line, called E³—named after the English terms Economic, Ecologic, and Ergonomic—represents a holistic approach to innovation. In addition to the new drive technology, the machine concepts and the working environment have also been fundamentally redesigned. The goal is to make the workplace on the track-laying machine more attractive, safer, and more comfortable.

With this forward-thinking approach, Plasser & Theurer is addressing the challenges of rising raw material prices and ambitious climate goals. The E³ machines save fossil fuels, reduce CO₂ emissions, and, through the use of electric motors, offer greater durability, less wear, and improved efficiency.

Innovations for Austria and the World

The impact of these innovations is felt both in Austria and around the world. The Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) were among the first customers to put a large number of hybrid-powered maintenance machines into service. Especially in urban and sensitive areas, these quiet and clean machines open up new applications, such as work in tunnels or densely populated areas. Internationally, high-speed rail systems such as Japan’s Shinkansen also rely on the precision and reliability of Plasser & Theurer’s technology. The machines are designed to maintain tolerances of less than one millimeter when tamping the tracks—a non-negotiable requirement for the safety and performance of modern high-speed trains.

Talent Incubator and Industrial Strength

At the Linz location, the company particularly values the opportunity to attract highly qualified employees—not only from the city itself, but also from the surrounding region. Plasser & Theurer specifically targets young talent graduating from technical colleges and universities with the required skills in IT, mechanics, and physics. The industrial environment, proximity to suppliers, and the strong Austrian supply industry make Linz an ideal location for the company’s growth.

Industry-Friendliness as the Key

To remain competitive, Plasser & Theurer views the reduction of non-wage labor costs and energy prices as central factors. Johann Dumser explains: “Fair international competition is crucial, especially for export-oriented companies. This requires political support to create a level playing field and avoid distortions of competition.”

Another key factor, he says, is reducing bureaucracy so that the projects and innovations necessary for the business model can continue to be implemented in Linz. “The business-friendly environment that distinguishes Linz should be preserved and further strengthened to make the location future-proof,” Dumser explains. He sees Linz as the “most sustainable location for sustainable products from sustainable companies” well into the future.

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